Boston’s First Night New Year’s Eve celebrations are the biggest in the country, with hundreds of performances and artists participating. But last year, “to match large-scale celebrations planned in other major U.S. cities, First Night doubled its budget last year from $1.3 million to $2.7 million and spiffed up programming to include extras such as three days of cultural events, citywide laser shows and five fireworks displays.” Out-of-control costs nearly sank the popular event. – Boston Herald 12/26/00